Things To Do in NYC This Week (October 27-November 2)
Halloween weekend is here, and New York is about to deliver nonstop energy. From spooky parties and haunted happenings to fall markets and cultural events, the city is stacked with ways to keep the week exciting. That’s why this guide to things to do in NYC (October 27–November 2) highlights everything from Halloween blowouts to post-costume chill options. And because sometimes the best adventures mean stepping out of the city, I’ve also listed a few fun picks nearby.
Before you head out, it’s always a good idea to double-check the event details on the official website or social media, as plans can sometimes change. Also, just a friendly reminder that while admission is free, you might still need to RSVP or pay separately for food, drinks, and activities.
20+ Things to Do in NYC This Week: Halloween & Marathon Weekend
Free Fun Events/Activities
Remus Gatsby Reserve: 100 Years, 100 Books Happy Hours
Raise a glass (and maybe a book) to The Great Gatsby’s 100th anniversary. The Remus Gatsby Hunt hides copies of the novel across NYC bars, and you need to find one to win bourbon prizes.
- When: October 28-30, 2025
- Where: Multiple venues
- Tickets: Free to join. More info here.
- Best for: Bookworms and bourbon enthusiasts.
The Haunted Fanta Factory
If haunted houses are your thing, this one’s soda-powered. The Haunted Fanta Factory challenges you to protect the last Fanta from movie villains like Chucky and M3GAN. Expect jump scares, flashing lights, and maybe a craving for orange soda after.
- When: October 29-31, 2025
- Where: 507 West 27th Street, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.coca-cola.com
- Best for: Horror buffs.
CHILDHOOD 2.0 by Bark Technologies
Take a nostalgic step back to the ‘80 and ‘90s at CHILDHOOD 2.0, an interactive pop-up exploring how tech changed growing up. You’ll walk through old-school rooms, flip phones, and retro games, then jump to today’s digital world.
- When: October 29-30, 2025
- Where: Lightbox NYC (248 West 37th Street, New York)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Instagram: @barktechnologies
- Best for: Parents, techies, and Millennials.
Chip or Treat
Tired of candy? Get Halloween nails instead. Chipped’s one-day pop-up offers NFC-chipped press-ons that let you share your socials with a tap.
- When: October 30, 2025
- Where: 618 East 9th Street, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Instagram: @chippedsocial
- Best for: Nail lovers.
Bryant Park Tricks and Treats
End your October with some family-friendly fun at Bryant Park. Expect magic shows, pumpkin crafts, and trick-or-treating through the Holiday Shops. The kids get candy, and you get a head start on your shopping.
- When: October 30, 2025
- Where: between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues (behind the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman building)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://bryantpark.org
- Best for: Families with kids.
Village Halloween Parade
Greenwich Village turns into a Halloween playground with costumes, puppets, and bands marching up Sixth Avenue. It’s quirky, chaotic, and absolutely New York — where else would thousands of strangers willingly dress like zombies together?
- When: October 31, 2025
- Where: 6th Avenue from KING St to West 15th
- Tickets: Free (VIP tickets are also available)
- Website: https://halloween-nyc.com
- Best for: Families, costume enthusiasts.
Pumpkin Smash
Halloween’s over, but your pumpkin doesn’t have to rot on the stoop. Bring it to Hudson River Park’s Pumpkin Smash, where you can swing a bat, hammer, or shovel and turn that jack-o’-lantern into eco-friendly mush.
- When: November 1, 2025
- Where: Pier 84, Hudson River Park (353 West St, New York)
- Tickets: Free to join
- Website: https://hudsonriverpark.org
- Best for: Eco-friendly folks.
2025 TCS New York City Marathon
Even if running 26.2 miles isn’t your thing, cheering absolutely counts. Find a good spot along the NYC Marathon route and clap like your best friend’s in the lead.
- When: November 2, 2025
- Where: Starts on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, climbs over five major bridges throughout the boroughs, and finishes in Central Park.
- Tickets: Watch most of the race for free between mile 3 and mile 26. Grandstand Seating tickets are also available.
- Website: https://www.nyrr.org
- Best for: Cheer squads and casual spectators.
Grand Bazaar NYC – Wellness Weekend
After the Halloween sugar crash (or the marathon), recharge at Grand Bazaar’s Wellness Weekend. Browse artisan skincare, clean beauty, and snacks that are actually good for you.
- When: November 2, 2025
- Where: 100 West 77th St., New York (At Columbus Avenue)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://grandbazaarnyc.org
- Best for: Shoppers.
Wollman Rink Opening Weekend
Central Park’s Wollman Rink is officially open, and it’s giving a peak winter experience. Skating here feels like stepping into a snow globe with skyline views and crisp air.
- When: Until October 27, 2025
- Where: 830 5th Avenue, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://wollmanrinknyc.com
- Best for: Skating enthusiasts.
UGG Feel House
Need an excuse to lean into the cozy season? The UGG Feel House lets you enjoy product customization, giveaways, cookies, drinks, and a photo booth.
- When: Until October 28, 2025
- Where: 412 West 14th Street, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.ugg.com
- Best for: Anyone looking for a relaxing activity.
GrowNYC’s Greenmarket
The city might move fast, but the Greenmarket slows it down just enough for you to enjoy apple season. Swing by Center Plaza for local produce, cider, and friendly farmers who’ll definitely convince you to buy “just one more” pumpkin.
- When: Until October 30, 2025
- Where: Rockefeller Center (45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
- Best for: Foodies and shoppers.
Oktoberfest at Loreley Beer Garden
Pumpkin beer in a pumpkin-shaped keg? Loreley said, “Why not.” Add pretzels, sausages, and weekend pig roasts, and you’ve got yourself one last Oktoberfest hurrah before the spooky season takes over.
- When: Until October 31, 2025
- Where: 7 Rivington St, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.loreleynyc.com
- Best for: Beer fans.
VT Cosmetics NYC Pop-Up
That skincare drawer full of “miracle creams” that did nothing? Bring your regrets and start fresh at the VT Cosmetics Pop-Up. You’ll get a pro skin analysis, play games, and snag freebies.
- When: Until November 1, 2025
- Where: 188 Lafayette Street, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Instagram: @vtcosmetics_global
- Best for: Skincare lovers.
Medicube Glow Mode: ON Pop-Up
Skincare but arcade-style? Medicube’s Glow Mode: ON Pop-Up in SoHo mixes self-care with mini-games, flashing lights, and a little healthy competition.
- When: Until November 2, 2025
- Where: 437 Broadway, New York
- Tickets: Free admission. RSVP here.
- Instagram: @medicube_global_official
- Best for: K-beauty fans.
Fall Harvest Festival & Halloween Celebration at LeFrak Center
If you’re clinging to fall before winter fully takes over, Prospect Park’s LeFrak Center lets you enjoy pumpkin patches, crafts, costume contests, and even free ice-skating admission on Nov 1–2.
- When: Until November 2, 2025
- Where: 171 East drive, Brooklyn
- Price: Free and paid
- Website: https://lakeside.prospectpark.org
- Best for: Families and fall fans.
Seaport Pumpkin Arch
Fall in NYC isn’t complete without a stroll under the glowing Pumpkin Arch at Pier 17. By day, it’s a dreamy backdrop for autumn selfies; by night, it lights up against the Brooklyn Bridge like the city’s own Halloween halo.
- When: Until November 17, 2025
- Where: Heineken Riverdeck, North Side of Pier 17 (89 South Street, New York)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://theseaport.nyc
- Best for: Photo lovers.
Genesis House – CHROMA: Tales Between Hues
Need a quiet, creative escape? Genesis House’s CHROMA installation is an artsy deep dive into Korean folklore — complete with digital projection, rich colors, and design magic from Ashley Park.
- When: Until December 14, 2025
- Where: 40A 10th Avenue, New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://genesishouse.com
- Best for: Design and art lovers.
Paid & Ticketed Things To Do
Halloween – Vinyl Nights
Skating, disco, funk, and zombie dancers from the Village Halloween Parade? Yep, all under one roof. It’s a night of skating with Thriller feels.
- When: November 1, 2025
- Where: 262 Starr St. Bushwick, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://vinylnightsnyc.com
- Best for: 21+ skaters.
Bronx Zoo Harvest Glow
The zoo lights up with glowing pumpkin trails, dinosaur safaris, and live carving shows. It’s family-friendly, magical, and just the right amount of spooky for kids.
- When: Until October 31, 2025
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best for: Families.
Ridgewood Asylum & Haunted House
This isn’t your average haunted house — it’s part horror, part escape room. With detailed plots and storylines, Ridgewood feels like creating your own horror movie.
- When: Until November 1, 2025
- Where: 272 Seigel St, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.theridgewoodasylum.com
- Best for: Horror fans.
Halloween Harvest at Luna Park
Coney Island’s famous rides get a spooky twist with pumpkin decorating, tractor races, and carnival treats. Yes, the candy apples taste better by the boardwalk.
- When: Until November 2, 2025
- Where: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Get wristbands here.
- Website: https://lunaparknyc.com
- Best for: Families.
Black Lagoon Pop-Up
Someday Bar goes full gothic makeover with eerie lighting and cocktails that look like bubbling potions. It’s like a haunted house for your taste buds.
- When: Until November 2, 2025
- Where: 364 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
- Price: Varies
- Website: https://blacklagoonpopup.com
- Best for: Cocktail lovers.
Color Factory Haunted Hues
If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the spooky season, Color Factory’s Haunted Hues keeps the fun alive. It offers a maze of interactive rooms, photo ops, and confetti that gets everywhere (worth it).
- When: Until November 3, 2025
- Where: 251 Spring Street, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.colorfactory.co
- Best for: Families.
Blood Manor
This Manhattan mansion is pure nightmare fuel. Expect gore, wild special effects, and actors who live for making you scream. You’ll jump, you’ll laugh at yourself, then you’ll swear you’re too old for this (but come back anyway).
- When: Until November 8, 2025
- Where: 359 Broadway, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bloodmanor.com
- Best for: Thrill seekers.
Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins arranged into glowing displays that will make you forget regular jack-o’-lanterns exist. It’s like being part of a glowing pumpkin universe.
- When: Until November 16, 2025
- Where: Van Cortlandt Manor (525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://pumpkinblaze.org
- Best for: Families, date nights.
Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours
Hop on a Victorian trolley and roll through Brooklyn’s spookiest stories, from séance mishaps to a ghost wandering the Brooklyn Bridge.
- When: September-November 2025
- Where: 510 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn
- Tickets: $69 (September-October) / $50 (November)
- Website: https://www.madamemorbid.com
- Best for: History buffs and thrill seekers.
Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Jack, Sally, and Zero take over the New York Botanical Garden with glowing scenes from the film. It’s spooky, sweet, and perfect for fans of Tim Burton’s holiday mashup.
- When: Until November 30, 2025
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.com
- Best for: Movie lovers.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
It’s time to lace up. Skating under Prometheus at Rockefeller Center is peak NYC winter energy. You’ll wobble, laugh, and maybe fall once or twice, but that’s part of the cinematic charm.
- Where: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
- Best for: anyone looking for a classic NYC winter experience.
Concerts
Sabrina Carpenter – Short N’ Sweet Tour
Sabrina is bringing her Billboard hits to NYC, and yes, “Espresso” will be stuck in your head for days. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
- When: October 28, 29, & 31 and November 1, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://store.sabrinacarpenter.com
- Best for: Pop fans.
Diana Ross
A living legend, Diana Ross takes the stage with a career’s worth of hits. Her voice, her presence, her sparkle — all proof that divas don’t age, they just get better.
- When: October 29, 2025
- Where: St. George Theatre ( 35 Hyatt St, Staten Island)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.dianaross.com
- Best for: Classic music fans.
Bryan Adams – Roll With The Punches Tour
The Canadian rock icon is back with new songs and old anthems that’ll have you singing like it just dropped yesterday.
- When: October 30, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bryanadams.com
- Best for: Rock fans.
Other Events/Activities to Check Out
- Find Your “Boo” Singles Party – October 31 at Housewatch (50 Avenue B, New York) | Ticketed
- Silent Scream Silent Disco – October 31 at Bohemian Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave, Queens) | Ticketed
- Boo Bash Halloween – October 31 at Continental Sports Lounge (82 Beaver Street, New York) | Ticketed
- Haunted Mega Yacht Halloween Party – October 31 at Pier 36, New York (299 South Street, New York) | Ticketed
- Halloween Costume Party 2025 – October at The Booth 993 (993 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn) | Ticketed
- Apocalypse Friday at 230 Fifth Rooftop – October 31 at 1150 Broadway, New York | Ticketed
Once you’ve nailed down your Halloween activities for the week, it’s time to plan the perfect spooky meal. Find all the best themed spots in our guide to the Best Halloween-Themed Bar & Restaurants to Dine in NYC (2025).
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